Auckland landmark razed to the ground

Fire investigators examine the remains of the Carlton Cornwall bowling club. Photo / Kenny Rodger

One of Auckland's best known historic wooden buildings has been completely destroyed by fire.

Firefighters from all over the city have been fighting the blaze at the Carlton Cornwall Bowling Club this morning, but the building has burned to the ground.

Fire Service shift manager Scott Osmond said the first call came in at about 3.45am. He said two Fire Safety officers are at the scene going over the debris.

Fireworks parties kept firefighters busy all over the country during the night, but apart from the Cornwall Park incident there has been nothing significant.

Communications staff say they have taken a stream of 111 calls to tackle backyard blazes. None of them took more than a few minutes to bring under control.

- NEWSTALK ZB